Respiratory muscle group training method and device

Abstract

A respiratory muscle group training method (2) and device (3). The method (2) comprises: first providing a mask body (30), the mask body (30) covering the face of a user (9) at a position related to inhalation and exhalation, and an airflow regulating element (31) for setting an inhalation resistance being provided on the mask body (20), so as to simulate during the inhalation of the user (9) the obstruction of a respiratory tract to generate a negative pressure in the respiratory tract; and then, setting training standard information (Ws) about a lung function, and then performing training steps, so that the user (9) performs at least one inhalation or exhalation exercise under the inhalation resistance so as to reach the training standard information (Ws) about the lung function. In addition, further provided is a respiratory muscle group training device (3) for implementing the respiratory muscle group training method (2).

Description

Method and apparatus for training respiratory muscle group TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for training, and in particular, to a method and apparatus for training respiratory muscle group. BACKGROUND

[0002] A user-activated deep inhalation device is provided to improve lung function and prevent complications such as post-surgery, aging, bedridden, decreased lung capacity, enhanced sputum discharge, respiratory muscle, and prevention of lung collapse. The operation method is as follows:

[0003] 1. Close the lips: Place the mouthpiece of the spirometer in the mouth and tightly seal it with the lips to prevent air leakage. 2. Perform inhalation: Slowly and deeply inhale through the mouthpiece to fill the lungs with as much air as possible. Then observe the volume indicator to monitor the inhalation progress. 3. Hold inhalation: When reaching the maximum inhalation volume, hold your breath for a few seconds to allow the air to fully expand the lungs. 4. Exhale: Gently and slowly exhale to release the air from the lungs. Repeat steps 1-4 according to the rehabilitation instructions. 5. Frequency: According to the rehabilitation recommendations, perform the spirometry exercise at regular intervals, usually multiple sets of repeated movements per hour. 6. Monitoring: Use the volume indicator on the spirometer to track progress and ensure that the target volume is reached with each inhalation.

[0004] The aforementioned training method has the following disadvantages: First, the rules are complex and it is important to maintain consistency. The trainer needs to fully understand and coordinate the timing, flow or volume, and number of combinations of repeated inhalation and exhalation during the training process. If consistency cannot be maintained, the effectiveness will be affected, so maintaining consistency in training goals is a major challenge. In addition, the training process must continue with the lips tightly holding the mouthpiece. However, for the elderly, weak patients with neuro-muscular degeneration, cognitive impairment, memory impairment, and communication impairment, it is often difficult to understand the operation instructions or unable to hold the mouthpiece with the lips throughout the process.

[0005] In view of the above, there is a need for a method and apparatus for training respiratory muscle group to solve the problems of the prior art.

[0006] SUMMARY

[0007] The purpose of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for training respiratory muscle group, which can simulate the inhalation flow during the inhalation or exhalation process by adjusting the resistance, which can be equivalent to the piston lifting effect of the induced spirometer, thereby improving the lung function, such as: lung capacity, improving lung atelectasis, to achieve the effect of helping patients recover after surgery, improving overall respiratory health, and increasing the amount of inhaled oxygen.

[0008] In one embodiment, the present application provides a method and device for training respiratory muscle groups. In one embodiment, the method first provides a mask to cover the face of a user in a position for air intake and output, and a flow regulating element is provided on the mask to set an inhalation resistance to generate a tidal volume or air flow during inhalation of the user to train and lung function-related muscles. Next, training standard information related to lung function is set, and then a training step is performed to allow the user to reach the training standard information related to the lung function by performing at least one inhalation or exhalation movement under the inhalation resistance.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present application provides a device for training respiratory muscle groups, comprising a mask, a flow regulating element, a breathing state sensor, and a computing processing device. The mask is used to cover the face of a user in a position for air intake and output. The flow regulating element is provided on the mask to set an inhalation resistance to allow the user to train target respiratory-related muscle groups, such as lung function-related muscle groups or upper respiratory tract muscle groups, during inhalation. The breathing state sensor is provided on the mask to detect a sensing information when the user performs an inhalation or exhalation movement. The computing processing device is provided with training standard information related to lung function, and is electrically connected to the breathing state sensor to determine whether the training standard information is reached according to the breathing information. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0010] FIG. 1 is a flowchart of one embodiment of a method for training respiratory muscle groups according to the present application.

[0011] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of a device for training respiratory muscle groups according to the present application.

[0012] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of a device for training respiratory muscle groups according to the present application.

[0013] FIGS. 2C-2F are schematic diagrams of another embodiment of a device for training respiratory muscle groups according to the present application.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a training process according to the present application.

[0015] FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts of another embodiment of a method for training respiratory muscle groups according to the present application.

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various exemplary embodiments can be more fully described in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some exemplary embodiments are shown. The present inventive concept may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the exemplary embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these exemplary embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the present inventive concept to those skilled in the art. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. The following description of training respiratory muscle group methods and apparatuses in conjunction with the drawings will illustrate and explain various embodiments, which are not intended to limit the present inventive concept.

[0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a flowchart of an embodiment of a training respiratory muscle group method of the present inventive concept is shown. The training respiratory muscle group method 2 in this embodiment is for training lung function. First, a training respiratory muscle group apparatus is provided in step 20. In step 20, the training respiratory muscle group apparatus can have different embodiments, mainly by adjustable air intake resistance to simulate airway obstruction during inhalation. The respiratory muscle group described in the present inventive concept is the muscle group related to lung function, upper respiratory tract muscle group, etc., but is not limited thereto, and the following is explained by taking the muscle group related to lung function. In an embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2A, a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a training respiratory muscle group apparatus of the present inventive concept is shown. In this embodiment, the training respiratory muscle group apparatus 3 includes a mask 30 and a computing processing device 32. The mask 30 is used to cover the position related to air intake / air exhaust on the face of the user 9, which can be the user's mouth, nose, or mouth and nose, etc., without limitation.

[0019] The cover 30 is further provided with an air flow adjusting element 31 and an air pressure detecting element 34. The air flow adjusting element 31 is used to adjust the air flow entering the cover 30 from the external environment. In an embodiment, the air flow adjusting element 31 can be adjustable, such as an adjusting valve, a check valve or a flow controller, or non-adjustable. In another embodiment, the air flow adjusting element 31 has at least one opening, and the air flow can be controlled by adjusting the size of the opening or the range of the shielding. The air flow entering the cover 30 from the external environment can be adjusted by manual or electric adjustment. In another embodiment, if the air flow adjusting element 31 is a hole design, different opening rate elements can be used to adjust the air flow. The air pressure detecting element 34 is arranged on the cover 30 to detect air pressure information when the cover 30 performs an inhalation or exhalation movement, such as the air pressure in the oral cavity during inhalation or exhalation. In this embodiment, the air pressure detecting element 34 is arranged on the inner surface of the cover 30. In this embodiment, the cover 30 is further provided with a wireless communication element 35, such as an RFID, a Wi-Fi wireless communication, a near field communication element or a Bluetooth element, but not limited thereto. The wireless communication element 35 can transmit the air pressure information detected by the air pressure detecting element 34 to the operation processing device 32 in a wireless manner.

[0020] The operation processing device 32 is electrically connected or coupled with the airflow adjusting element 31 and the air pressure detecting element 34. The operation processing device 32 is provided with training standard information, and judges whether the training standard information is reached according to the sensed information. In an embodiment, the operation processing device 32 can be a smart handheld or wearable device, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a wearable watch, or a microprocessor installed on the cover 30. The operation processing device 32 can also be a notebook computer or a cloud server. In the embodiment, the operation processing device 32 is a smart phone, which has a prompting unit 320 for prompting the training standard information and the resistance information corresponding to the airflow or the pressure information detected by the air pressure detecting element 34. The prompting unit 320 can be a display unit, a voice unit, or other vibration feedback units. In the embodiment, the prompting unit 320 is a display unit, such as a display screen. The operation processing device 32 sends a control signal to remotely control the airflow adjusting element 31. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, which is a schematic view of another embodiment of the training respiratory muscle group device. In the embodiment, it is basically similar to FIG. 2A, and the difference is that the embodiment further includes a gas supply device 36 for providing oxygen, steam, or a combination of the oxygen and steam, to the user through a gas supply pipe 360 coupled with the cover, as the oxygen or steam required in the training process. As shown in FIG. 2C, which is a schematic view of another embodiment of the training respiratory muscle group device. In the embodiment, the cover 30 is connected with the gas supply device 36 on one side. In the embodiment, the airflow adjusting element 31 can be arranged on the cover 30 or the gas supply pipe 360 of the gas supply device 36, to adjust the oxygen flow supplied by the gas supply device 36 to the inside of the cover 30 when the user inhales, to simulate the effect of inhaling resistance. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2D, a breathing state sensor 37, such as an air pressure sensor, a thermal sensor, a flow sensor, or a combination thereof, is coupled with the gas supply pipe 360. It is to be noted that the airflow adjusting element 31 and the breathing state sensor 37 can be integrated or separated into two independent elements. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2E, the breathing state sensor 37 further has a pipe line 370 coupled with the gas supply pipe 360. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2F, the pipe line 370 of the breathing state sensor 37 is coupled with the cover 30. It is to be noted that in the embodiment, the airflow adjusting element 31 can also be arranged on the cover 30.

[0021] Returning to FIG. 1, then, step 21 is performed to determine the required negative pressure for training to determine the required air flow or ventilation for training the respiratory-related muscle groups, such as the pulmonary function or the upper respiratory tract muscle groups, but not limited thereto. In one embodiment of step 21, taking the embodiment of FIG. 2A as an example, because of the air flow adjustment element 31, the way of determining the negative pressure can allow the user to manually adjust or remotely control the air flow adjustment element 31 to adjust the air intake flow, such as through the application program executed on the operation processing device 32, which can communicate with the air flow adjustment element 31 to control the air intake amount of the air flow adjustment element 31 through wireless means, to adjust the air flow amount entering the inside of the cover 30 from the external environment when the user inhales, and the air flow amount represents the resistance the user inhales. If the air flow amount or ventilation of the user inhaling through the air flow adjustment element 31 is small, it represents that the inhalation resistance is large, and the user is not easy to inhale air, on the contrary, if the air flow amount or ventilation of the user inhaling through the air flow adjustment element 31 is large, it represents that the inhalation resistance is small, and the user can easily inhale air, and the required resistance for training is generated through the negative pressure. In another embodiment, the required air flow or ventilation can be determined by guiding the user to determine the size by using the suction force when inhaling. In this embodiment, the air flow adjustment element 31 is fixedly designed, such as the resistance size of the air flow adjustment element is fixedly designed.

[0022] After setting the inhalation negative pressure, step 22 is performed to set the training standard information. In one embodiment of step 22, the operation processing device 32 shown in FIG. 2A can be used to set the training standard information. For example, in one embodiment, the operation processing device 32 executes an application program, and through the user operation interface displayed by the application program, the user can set the training standard information. In one embodiment, the training standard information can be the respiratory frequency, the inhalation / exhalation time, the respiratory volume, the flow, or any combination of the foregoing, but not limited thereto, wherein the respiratory frequency is the number of breaths per unit time. For example, in another embodiment, the training standard information can also be set to the integral of the pressure change and time when the user inhales, which represents the pulmonary function, and the work W done by the user when performing the breathing movement can be represented as the following formula (1):

[0023] It is to be noted that the determination of the training criteria information further comprises a step 220 of inputting at least one set of breathing cycle patterns to simulate sleep airway resistance or obstruction. This step is mainly to simulate the obstruction condition by setting different resistance. Then, a step 221 is performed to actually observe the breathing frequency, expiration / inspiration time course, breathing volume, flow variation of the user to infer the lung function status to determine the training criteria information. In this step, the corresponding parameter information, such as breathing frequency, expiration / inspiration time course, breathing volume, flow or any combination of the foregoing, is obtained by setting different resistance in step 220, and then the training criteria information can be determined according to these information. It is to be noted that the training criteria information is not necessarily determined by the steps 220 and 221. In another embodiment, the training criteria information can also be determined according to experience and then adjusted according to the situation.

[0024] After step 22, a step 23 is performed to perform a training step to let the user reach the training criteria information by performing at least one inhalation or exhalation movement under the inhalation resistance. After the resistance and the training criteria information in steps 21 and 22 are set, the user can start to perform the lung function training. In an embodiment, the training criteria information is composed of at least one training cycle, and each cycle includes at least one inhalation movement, the number of which is determined according to the training needs of the user, which can be set by the user through the application program installed in the operation processing device 32.

[0025] For example, in one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, which is a flowchart of the training procedure of the present application. In step 230, the user, when performing the training procedure, further includes sensing information of the user performing the at least one inhalation or exhalation movement. In step 230, the sensing information can be flow, heat, pressure, or any combination thereof. The heat, pressure, or flow information can be measured by a breathing state sensor, such as the aforementioned air pressure sensing element 34, heat sensor, or flow meter. Then, in step 231, it is determined whether the training criteria information is reached based on the parameter information. In step 231, the operation processing device 32 calculates the actual breathing frequency, inhalation / exhalation duration, breathing volume or flow based on the sensing information, and compares the target gap with the training criteria information. The prompting unit guides the correction of the breathing movement based on the target gap. Then, in step 232, if the training criteria information is reached, a prompt information is generated. The prompt information can be prompted by the prompting unit 320, LED light, vibration element, or sound element to guide the user to perform the training. Then, steps 230-232 are repeated, and when the user adapts to the inhalation volume target, the inhalation volume target can be gradually increased by step 22, i.e., the inhalation resistance strength is gradually increased.

[0026] For example, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2B, the pressure information detected by the air pressure sensing element 34 in each unit of time can be collected by the application program installed in the operation processing device 32. The application program APP can calculate the integral quantity W of the corresponding pressure P(t) with respect to time. The integral quantity W is compared with the training criteria information Ws, and when the integral quantity W is equal to the training criteria information Ws, i.e., the work W done by the upper respiratory tract dilator muscle group 92 during the inhalation movement of the user reaches the criteria, the operation processing device generates a warning voice or information to remind the user to rest and exhale. At the same time, the detected air pressure information, integral quantity information, etc. are displayed on the prompting unit 320. Then, the next inhalation movement is repeated for a specified number of times to achieve the training effect of the upper respiratory tract dilator muscle group.

[0027] Please refer to FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, which are flow charts of another embodiment of the method for training respiratory muscle groups. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, it is basically similar to FIG. 1, except that the embodiment further includes step 24, adjusting the training level. In step 24, when the user adapts to the target inhalation volume, the training standard information is gradually increased, i.e., the inhalation resistance strength is gradually increased, so that the user can further strengthen the lung function. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, it is basically similar to the flow chart of FIG. 1, except that the embodiment further includes step 25, observing the decline of the maximum inhalation volume or frequency after at least one cycle of inhalation, exhalation or breathing. In step 25, the user is guided to inhale under resistance, so that the upper respiratory tract presents a pressure drop or negative pressure state for diaphragmatic contraction to achieve the target inhalation volume. After one to several cycles, the decline of the target inhalation volume or frequency is observed to evaluate the status of the user's lung function.

[0028] In summary, the method and device for training respiratory muscle groups can simulate the inhalation flow during inhalation or exhalation by adjustable resistance, which can be equivalent to the piston lifting effect of an induced spirometer, thereby improving lung function, such as vital capacity, improving lung atelectasis, helping patients recover after surgery, improving overall respiratory health, and increasing the amount of inhaled oxygen.

[0029] The above description is only a preferred embodiment or example of the technical means adopted by the present application to solve the problems, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent implementation of the present application. That is, any equivalent changes and modifications made in accordance with the meaning of the claims of the present application or the claims of the present application are covered by the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for training respiratory muscle groups, comprising the steps of: providing a mask to cover a user's face in a position for air intake and output, and providing a flow regulating element to generate an inhalation resistance for the user to generate a tidal volume or flow during inhalation to train respiratory related muscles; setting a training criteria information related to lung function; performing a training step for the user to reach the training criteria information related to lung function by performing at least one inhalation or exhalation movement under the inhalation resistance.

2. The method for training respiratory muscle groups as claimed in claim 1, wherein the training step further comprises the steps of: detecting a sensing information when the user performs the at least one inhalation or exhalation movement; judging whether the training criteria information is reached according to the sensing information; and generating a prompt information if the training criteria information is reached.

3. The method for training respiratory muscle groups as claimed in claim 2, wherein the sensing information is flow information, heat information or pressure information, and detecting the sensing information further comprises the steps of: providing a mask to cover a user's face in a position for air intake and output, and providing a flow regulating element to generate an inhalation resistance for the user to generate a tidal volume or flow during inhalation to train respiratory related muscles; 4. The method for training respiratory muscle groups as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing information is flow, heat or pressure, and the processing device calculates actual breathing frequency, inhalation / exhalation duration, breathing volume or flow according to the sensing information, and compares the training criteria information to generate a target gap, and the prompting unit guides the user to correct breathing action according to the target gap.

5. The method for training respiratory muscle groups as claimed in claim 3, wherein the mask is capable of connecting a gas supply tube to provide oxygen, vapor or a combination of oxygen and vapor to provide required gas during training.

6. The method for training respiratory muscle groups as claimed in claim 1, wherein the size of the flow or tidal volume is adjusted by the flow regulating element or by guiding the user to control inhalation force.

7. A device for training respiratory muscle groups, comprising: a mask to cover a user's face in a position for air intake and output; a flow regulating element to generate an inhalation resistance for the user to generate a tidal volume or flow during inhalation to train respiratory related muscles; a breathing state sensor to detect a sensing information when the user performs an inhalation or exhalation movement; and a processing device coupled to the flow regulating element and the breathing state sensor, and the processing device is set with a training criteria information related to lung function, and the processing device is electrically connected to the breathing state sensor to judge whether the training criteria information is reached according to the breathing information.

8. The device for training respiratory muscle groups as claimed in claim 7, further comprising a prompting unit which is a display, LED light, vibration element or sound element. ​ 9. The respiratory muscle training device of claim 8, wherein the respiratory status sensor is a flow sensor, a thermal sensor or a pressure sensor, the operation processing device calculates actual breathing rate, expiration / inspiration timing, breathing volume or flow based on the sensed information, compares the calculated information with the training standard information to generate target gap, and the prompting unit guides the user to correct the breathing action based on the target gap.

10. The respiratory muscle training device of claim 7, wherein the mask is connectable to a gas supply tube for providing oxygen, vapor or a combination of oxygen and vapor to provide the required gas for the training process.

11. The respiratory muscle training device of claim 10, wherein the respiratory status sensor is coupled to the gas supply tube.

12. The respiratory muscle training device of claim 10, wherein the gas flow regulating element is coupled to the gas supply tube.

13. The respiratory muscle training device of claim 10, wherein the respiratory status sensor has a line coupled to the gas supply tube or coupled to the mask.

14. The respiratory muscle training device of claim 7, wherein the respiratory status sensor is disposed on the mask.

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